By Equine MediRecord
Following this win H. E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani presented the trophies to the winners. Abdulla Bin Hezam Al Saaq received the owner’s trophy on behalf of Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari.
The richest Arabian race on the British racing calendar, the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar International Stakes worth £400,000 in prizemoney produced yet another thrilling finish and went the way of the Lady Princess.
The French trained six-year-old has been masterfully handled by leading Arabian trainer Thomas Fourcy. Now an eight-time Gr.1 (PA) winner Lady Princess travelled ominously well throughout the 1,600m contest and was produced to perfection by jockey Jim Crowley, despite a moment of panic just inside the 200m pole.
Set off towards the rear in her habitual fashion, the talented six-year-old kept close tabs with her chief rivals Samlla (Assy), owned by HE Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Hattal (Mahabb). Lady Princess sliced through the field with ease once in the straight but met trouble inside the closing stages. Trying to pounce between Hattal and Samlla, Lady Princess was briefly sandwiched but once in the clear she cruised to an impressive eighth top-flight success. Hattal took second, while Samlla cracked close home and finished third.
Bred by Earl du Champ Ginioux and Mrs. Elodie Bellaud, Lady Princess is by multiple Group One winner General (Amer) and is out of Group Three winner Nacre Al Maury (Kesberoy), who also produced Group One winner and stallion Mister Ginoux.
